Buying art is easy!

First-time buyer Carrie Thomas says she has found that buying art is easy, affordable and a great way to make the most of your home.

Publishing executive Carrie, 28, explained how she's been switched on to art: "I always thought that art was for other people and not for me," she said.

"Firstly there was the expense of it - aren't most works of art worth thousands and thousands of pounds? Then there's the question of what to go for. There's a bewildering array of artists out there doing all manner of things from pencil sketches of animals to digital abstract splashes of colour.

"What if I ended up with something that my friends thought more closely resembled a nasty incident in a hospital than a beautiful and stylish artwork for my home?

"Well, I'm proud to say I cheated - I used a free art consultancy service.

"It made perfect sense. Art, like property, can be an investment and if you are not careful it can be a bad one.

"With a little help from a non-stuffy and down-to-earth consultant from Eyestorm I made realistic decisions about what would enhance my home and what also, with time, and a bit of luck, might even earn me money.

"The concept of owning limited edition prints has enabled me to enjoy, in the comfort of my own home, a work of art by a world-leading artist that most people would never be able to afford in their lifetimes. I couldn't be happier. I firmly believe that our environment has a direct impact on how we feel.

"Not only are they gorgeous to look at, but also having something so visually stimulating on the walls really seems to generate interesting conversation amongst my guests.

"It has even had a positive influence on me in other areas of my life. For instance, the first thing I did after buying my first piece was to go out and buy some cushions to match.

"At first I was really timid with colours - choosing only plain red cushions to match the red in my print. But I feel more confident now about mixing in brightly coloured patterns as they work well with the muted grey tones in my room - and it helps that they're back in fashion!

"It is simple things like these that really bring a room together and make it look stylised but not over the top.

"I have had such fun putting my living room together that my attention has turned to my bedroom. There's a big white wall that's just crying out for one of Damien Hirst's spot prints - I've started saving!"